How to install Marine Solar Panels
How to install Marine Solar Panels
Solar panels can be a great help to sailors, keeping vital lights and appliances functioning, even when batteries run low or a generator malfunctions. They are also a much quieter way of recharging batteries!
Learning how to install marine solar panels will be vital for the sailor who wants their advantages, but first he or she must learn which solar panels are best. Three types of solar cells are commonly used in solar panels, each with its own advantages. The sailor needs to learn these advantages and select the solar panels that are best for the need.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panels must be kept from shading, as shaded cells draw energy for themselves from other cells.
1. Solar panels using mono crystalline cells have high conversion efficiency, and take up less space, but lack shade protection. They loose 50 percent of their efficiency in high temperature areas. The crack very easily, therefore, must be thrown away. A real environmental negative to use these type panels in the marine area.
2. Solar panels using polycrystalline cells have even higher conversion efficiency, take up even less space, but still lack shade protection. They loose 50 percent of their efficiency in high temperature areas. The crack very easily, therefore, must be thrown away. A real environmental negative to use these type panels in the marine area.
3. Solar panels using amorphous silicon cells weree first believed to have lower conversion efficiency. Now scientific studies have proven this theory wrong. This type solar cells produce amps from day light til dark, therefore, produce more amps per day. Isn’t this the result you are looking for? They do take up more space, but do have shade protection. This can be especially important on a sailboat. These panels work no matter which direction they are facing. They do not loose efficiency in high heat areas. They work even better in cold temperatures down to minus 40 degrees. If you encounter snow even better efficiency because the snow directs more light to the cells.
Marine solar panels are available in both hard and flexible types. Hard solar panels can be attached to the deck, while flexible solar panels might be attached to deck or canvas.
Size and Number of Solar Panels
Learning how to install marine solar panels will include calculations to determine what size and how many solar panels you will need. This information is readily available on the Internet by searching the question: “What size solar panel do I need” on your favorite search engine. The rule of thumb is to allow for 20% more solar panel power than you estimate you will need.Size does not necessarily mean watts, size means a panel that will produce the amount of amps per day needed.
Placement of Solar Panels
Once you have determined the size and number of solar panels needed, you will be better able to determine where they will be placed. The best places depend on the boat’s configuration and size of the panels. Take your time and think it through. Read the instructions that came with your solar panels. You will want to avoid all violations of warranty terms.
The simple answer to how to install marine solar panels is: in the sun. Select locations that will get maximum sunlight without shaded spots.
In placing marine solar panels, consider the use of extra bars/braces to secure the panels. You obviously want them to remain stable. However this will not be a factor with Peel N Stick Panels.
How to Install Marine Solar Panels
Your marine solar panels should have clear instructions for installation. In addition to those, consider the following.
Most marine solar panel systems have three main components:
1. Solar panels to collect sunlight and produce a charge for you.
2. Charge controller to regulate the charge entering your battery and avoid overcharging it.
3. Batteries to store the energy your solar panels created.
Once marine solar panels have charged your batteries, you can use that energy to run most 12 volt DC appliances. These might include your safety lights, regular lighting, pumps, and fans, as well as small appliances. If you add an inverter, you can also run 120 volt AC appliances such as a microwave, radio, satellite dish, or radio. An inverter is a separate unit, not mentioned above, that transforms the current coming out of the battery into that required by most appliances.
First off, check to see that the system has a voltmeter. If it does not, purchase and install one. This will allow you to check the charge you are getting.
Affix your solar panels securely in place, and connect them per the instructions included in your kit. Use only tinned marine grade wire running from the panels to the batteries. If you are unsure of the wire you are considering, ask questions. Regular automotive wire may look similar, but in marine conditions, it will lose its ability to conduct electrical power. Lastly, ask the folks at Earth Care Solar about the Lithium survival solar charging systems. They come with an extra inverter, the whole system fits in your brief case. Could you use 60 to 90 hours of power to operate your computers, radios, and more? You never know when a complete system on a boat could go down. A great back portable back up system to have aboard.
Helpful Tip
Pre-packaged marine solar panel kits take the guesswork out of installation.
